25 Winter Meals on a Budget That Will Warm Your Soul Without Breaking the Bank

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Winter Meals on a Budget

Cold weather calls for warm, comforting meals. But eating well during winter doesn’t have to break the bank. You can make delicious, budget-friendly winter dishes using simple ingredients and smart cooking methods. Soups, stews, and casseroles are great options that stretch your food dollars.

With a little planning, you can create hearty meals that feed the whole family without spending a fortune. Try using cheaper cuts of meat, beans, and seasonal produce to keep costs down. Cooking in big batches also helps save money and time on busy weeknights. Let’s explore some tasty and affordable winter recipes to keep you warm and cozy all season long.

Beef Stew

You’ll need:

  • 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:


  1. Coat beef in flour, salt, and pepper.



  2. Brown beef in oil in a large pot.



  3. Add veggies and cook for 5 minutes.



  4. Pour in broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.



  5. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until meat is tender.



  6. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy meal!


Macaroni And Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.



  2. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.



  3. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth.



  4. Add cheeses and stir until melted and creamy.



  5. Mix in cooked macaroni. Season with salt and pepper.



  6. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting winter meal!


Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 6 oz egg noodles
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Put chicken, veggies, broth, and seasonings in a pot. Bring to a boil.



  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked.



  3. Remove chicken and shred with two forks.



  4. Add noodles to the pot and cook 7-10 minutes until tender.



  5. Return shredded chicken to the pot and heat through.



  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot!


Lentil Soup

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup lentils
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp each: thyme, rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Rinse lentils and set aside.



  2. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.



  3. Add lentils, potatoes, broth, tomatoes, and spices. Bring to a boil.



  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.



  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!


Chili

You’ll love this budget-friendly chili recipe! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cans kidney beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Brown the beef in a large pot over medium heat.



  2. Add onions and cook until soft.



  3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, and spices.



  4. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.



  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.



  6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.


Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:


  1. Brown the beef in a pan and drain excess fat.



  2. Mix in vegetables, soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.



  3. Spread the meat mixture in a 9×13 baking dish.



  4. Top with mashed potatoes and sprinkle cheese if using.



  5. Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.


Baked Ziti

You’ll need:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste
See also  Thai Shrimp Soup Recipe

Instructions:


  1. Cook ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.



  2. Brown beef and onion in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.



  3. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.



  4. Mix pasta with meat sauce in a large bowl.



  5. Layer half the pasta in a baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella.



  6. Add remaining pasta, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.



  7. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.


Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your budget-friendly, cozy winter meal!

Potato Leek Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 large leeks, sliced
  • 4 potatoes, cubed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary

Instructions:


  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and garlic, cooking until soft (about 5 minutes).



  2. Add potatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.



  3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.



  4. Season with salt and pepper. Add fresh herbs if desired.



  5. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, budget-friendly potato leek soup!


Spaghetti Aglio E Olio

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:


  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.



  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes.



  3. Cook garlic until lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!



  4. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining spaghetti.



  5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with garlic oil. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed.



  6. Stir in chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.



  7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if you like.


Vegetable Curry

You’ll love this tasty and budget-friendly winter meal! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, cauliflower)
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot until soft.



  2. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute.



  3. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.



  4. Add vegetables and chickpeas. Cook until veggies are tender.



  5. Season with salt and pepper.



  6. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.


Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup rice, uncooked
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:


  1. Cut peppers in half and remove seeds. Brush with oil and season with salt and pepper.



  2. Bake peppers at 400°F for 20 minutes.



  3. Brown beef with onion and garlic. Drain fat.



  4. Add rice, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until rice is cooked.



  5. Fill peppers with beef mixture and top with cheese.



  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts.


Toad In The Hole

You’ll need:

  • 4 sausages
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp oil

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Put the sausages in a baking dish with 1 tbsp oil. Cook for 5 minutes.

Mix flour, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Take the dish out and pour the batter over the sausages.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and puffy.

Serve hot with onion gravy and mashed potatoes.

Risotto

You’ll need:

  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
See also  Creamy Chicken and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Instructions:


  1. Heat oil in a large pan. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.



  2. Add rice, stir to coat with oil.



  3. Pour in 1 cup of broth. Stir until absorbed.



  4. Keep adding broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly.



  5. Cook for about 20 minutes, until rice is creamy and tender.



  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese.



  7. Season with salt and pepper.



  8. Serve hot and enjoy your budget-friendly winter meal!


Cabbage And Sausage Skillet

You’ll need:

  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 head green cabbage, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add caraway seeds and cook for 30 seconds.



  2. Add sliced kielbasa to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.



  3. Remove sausage and set aside. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet.



  4. Cook cabbage for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.



  5. Return sausage to the skillet. Mix with cabbage and cook for 2-3 more minutes.



  6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty budget-friendly meal!


Creamy Mushroom Soup

You’ll need:

  • 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a pot. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Cook until soft.



  2. Add remaining butter and flour. Stir for 1 minute.



  3. Slowly pour in broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.



  4. Add milk and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes.



  5. Blend half the soup if you want it smoother. Serve hot and enjoy!


Ham And Potato Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb diced potatoes
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft.



  2. Add potatoes, ham, carrots, celery, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.



  3. Mash some potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the soup.



  4. Stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes.



  5. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy, budget-friendly meal!


Pasta Pomodoro

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:


  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.



  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.



  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.



  4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.



  5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat with sauce.



  6. Serve hot, topped with torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.


Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.



  2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.



  3. Toss in mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.



  4. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix well.



  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.



  6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.


Colcannon

Here’s a tasty Irish recipe for colcannon:

Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes
  • 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Peel and boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash.



  2. Boil chopped cabbage for 5 minutes. Drain well.



  3. Heat milk and butter in a pan. Add green onions and cook for 1 minute.



  4. Mix potatoes, cabbage, and milk mixture. Season with salt and pepper.



  5. Serve hot with extra butter on top if you like!


This budget-friendly dish is perfect for cold winter nights. It’s filling, comforting, and easy to make. You can add bacon or ham for extra flavor if you want!

See also  Cranberry Mojito Mocktail

Frittata

You’ll need:

  • 6 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped veggies (potatoes, broccoli, peppers)
  • 1/2 cup cheese
  • Optional: 1/4 cup cooked meat

  1. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.



  2. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet. Cook veggies until soft.



  3. Pour egg mixture over veggies. Add cheese and meat if using.



  4. Cook on stovetop for 5 minutes until edges set.



  5. Finish in 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes until puffy and golden.



  6. Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy your budget-friendly meal!


Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 pie crust
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup mixed frozen veggies
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Dice the chicken breast into small pieces and season with salt and pepper.



  3. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink.



  4. Mix the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and frozen veggies in a bowl.



  5. Add chicken broth slowly until the mixture is creamy.



  6. Place the pie crust in a pie dish and pour in the chicken mixture.



  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.



  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.


Sloppy Joes

You’ll need:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4-6 hamburger buns

Instructions:


  1. Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat.



  2. Drain excess fat.



  3. Add ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.



  4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.



  5. Serve hot on hamburger buns.


Ratatouille

Here’s a budget-friendly winter ratatouille recipe you can make:

Ingredients:

  • 1 eggplant, cubed
  • 2 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Herbs (thyme, rosemary, or basil)

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).



  2. Toss the eggplant, zucchini, onion, and bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper.



  3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.



  4. In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the garlic.



  5. Add the roasted vegetables and canned tomatoes to the pot.



  6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.



  7. Add herbs and adjust seasoning to taste.



  8. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice or pasta.


Tuna Pasta Bake

You’ll need:

  • 300g pasta
  • 2 cans tuna, drained
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 200g cream cheese
  • 100g cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup frozen vegetables
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.



  2. Heat oil in a pan. Fry onion for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes.



  3. Mix in tuna, cream cheese, and half the cheddar. Stir until cheese melts.



  4. Add frozen veggies and cooked pasta. Mix well.



  5. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar.



  6. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.


Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 butternut squash, halved and seeded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon sage

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.



  2. Drizzle olive oil over the squash halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.



  3. Place squash cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for about 1 hour until tender.



  4. Let cool, then scoop out the flesh into a large pot.



  5. Add vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.



  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.



  7. Stir in heavy cream, nutmeg, and sage.



  8. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.



  9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.



  10. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy, budget-friendly soup!